2014 Nissan Leaf Owner's Manual - Page 43

• Release the accelerator pedal to slow down and do not apply the brakes when traffic and road conditions allow. - This vehicle is equipped with a regenerative brake system. The primary purpose of regenerative brake system is to provide some power to recharge the Li-ion battery and extend driving range. A secondary benefit is "engine braking" that operates based on Li-ion battery conditions. In the D (Drive) position, when the accelerator is released, the regenerative brake system provides some deceleration and some power to the Li-ion battery. The Li-ion battery's ability to hold a charge can be affected by how you drive the vehicle, store the vehicle, how you charge the Li-ion battery and Li-ion battery temperature during vehicle operation and charging. To maximize the battery's useful life, use the following driving and charging habits where possible: • Avoid exposing a vehicle to extreme ambient temperatures for extended periods. • Avoid storing a vehicle in temperatures below −13°F (−25°C) for over 7 days. • Avoid leaving your vehicle for over 14 days where the Li-ion battery available charge gauge reaches a zero or near zero (state of charge). • Allow the vehicle and Li-ion battery to cool down after use before charging. • Park/store your vehicle in cool locations out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. • Avoid sustained high battery temperatures (caused, for example, by exposure to very high ambient temperatures or extending highway driving with multiple quick charges). LI-ION BATTERY LIFE The Li-ion battery's ability to hold a charge, like all batteries, decreases with battery age and usage which results in decreased vehicle range when compared to the vehicle range when the vehicle was new. This is normal and expected, and does not indicate a malfunction of the vehicle or Li-ion battery. • Use the normal charging or trickle charging methods to charge the Li-ion battery and minimize the use of public Fast Charge or Quick Charger. • Avoid repetitive charging of the Li-ion battery with high battery state of charge. • Moderate driving. • Use of ECO mode. • If the vehicle will not be used for an extended period of time, charge the Li-ion battery once every 3 months. Do not operate the charging timer repeatedly while the charge connector is connected to the vehicle after the Li-ion battery charging is completed. Doing so may discharge the 12-volt battery. The power of the Li-ion battery can be checked on the Li-ion battery available charge gauge. See "Li-ion battery available charge gauge" in the "Instruments and controls" for details. EV-24 EV Overview